SLU Physics - Uranium and Radon Presence in Well Water

Using Gamma Spectrometry and Radon Detection
to Determine Uranium and Radon Presence in Well Water
Alexandra Kusnezov '08

Alex and her sludge

Abstract:

Water taken from a well in Russell, New York, belonging to Bill Olsen, was determined to contain Uranium and Radon. These elements can cause damage to DNA and possible cancerous growths if ingested through eating or swallowing. The Uranium was detected using a Gamma Spectrometer and the Radon was detected using a Pylon Model AB-5 Radon Detector. Spectra from the Uranium runs were analyzed and compared to gamma energies in the Uranium-238 decay scheme. The spectral peaks were consistent with Uranium-238 gamma energies, and further testing of the Uranium should be performed. The Radon detection confirmed that there is radon activity, but the results were inconsistent and further testing needs to be performed to quantify the amount of activity. I can say that there is possibly Uranium-238 present in the water as well as Radon-222 and ingestion, through eating, swallowing, and inhalation, of the well water should be avoided.

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